Advertisement

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Egypt has announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that is set to begin at 7pm UK time. The announcement was made by the Egyptian foreign minister in Cairo alongside US Secretary if State Hillary Clinton.

UK & Egypt agree on 'danger of a downward spiral of violence'

Downing Street has commented on the phone call between the Prime Minister and Egypt's President, Mohamed Mursi, this afternoon to discuss the situation in Gaza and Southern Israel:

President Mursi shared the Prime Minister’s grave concerns about the civilian casualties in Gaza and Israel and about the danger of a downward spiral of violence that would lead to further instability in the region.

They agreed that the priority must be to de-escalate the crisis and that Britain and Egypt should continue to urge both sides to take steps to reduce tensions.